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Fitting Flat Shapes

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Teachers' Resources

Use your common sense and intuition as detailed calculations are exceedingly difficult and not really what the question is about.

Keep your eyes open for shapes in nature where flat fitting is exhibited.

Once you are aware of fitting of flat shapes you will see that examples abound in nature. It is fascinating to ask: why does this fitting of shapes occur?


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Here are several equations from real life. Can you work out which measurements are possible from each equation?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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